Initiated by the European Circus Association, the European Parliament in 2005 adopted a resolution calling for support of the “classical circus, including the presentation of animals,” as part of Europe’s cultural heritage. Three countries already recognize circus on their UNESCO lists of their intangible cultural heritage.

The European Circus Association expects its members to guarantee flawless husbandry for their charges and to observe certain standards when working with animals. It is an artistic choice by the circus directors whether or not they want to present animals in their shows. The European Circus Association fights for their right to make this choice.

Working closely together with the European Network for Traveller Education (ENTE), the European Circus Association promotes an adequate education for the children of travelling circuses. The European Circus Association also collaborates with the European Federation of Circus Schools (FEDEC) in support of vocational training.

The European Circus Association has taken several initiatives to facilitate visa and work permits for the circus community. At the same time, ECA has worked in Brussels on the standardization of technical regulations and will continue to do so until circuses can move freely from country to country and entertain their audiences throughout Europe.

Testimonials

“Good regulations based on internationally accepted standards for animal care and transport are the most appropriate way to ensure high quality animal care while at the same time preserving the rich and rewarding classical circus are form for the benefit of circus families, their animals and current and future generations of Europeans.”
H.S.H. Prince Rainier III of Monaco

“Whereas it would be desirable for it to be recognized that the classical circus, including the presentation of animals, forms part of European culture ”European Parliament Resolution of 13 October 2005

“The artist is a traveller on this earth. This is particularly true of circus professionals.”Jan Figel, ex European Commissioner quoting Francois Delsarte.

Translation

Who are we?

The voice of the circus. Together we can save the future of
the circus.
The European Circus Association (ECA) was established to promote circus arts and culture, thereby protecting this important part of our shared cultural heritage. ECA believes that circus is universal and an ever changing form of arts which offers a broad variety of expression.
We believe that circus is one of the most popular forms of live entertainment. Initiated by the European Circus Association, the European Parliament adopted a resolution in 2005 recognizing the circus as a part of Europe’s culture.